The Perfection after Trials

Scriptures: “These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proven genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (I Peter 1:7)

A well loved and respected elder in a church was well into his 70’s when he was diagnosed with cancer. He spent the last 6 months of his life in hospital fighting the disease. But, at the end, he went home to be with the Lord.

Many brothers and sisters in his church were more than confused and sad for losing him. They could not understand why God would let a devout and godly man like him suffer so much, especially toward the end of his life.

After the burial, his son gave a testimony in the church. He said, “Ever since my father was hospitalized, receiving all kinds of chemotherapy and radiation treatments, he went through a lot of difficult time. Through them all, he never complained. But we could tell he was in great pain. It was only a few days before he went home to be with the Lord when he suddenly opened his eyes and said, “I got it.” He realized why the Lord let him go through so much, even in such old age. He said, even though he never complained during those difficult treatments, he never was able to give thanks and praises to his Lord and Savior.” He added, “But he learned his lesson and the last few days of his life were filled with joy and thanksgiving!”

When I heard this story, it gave me a totally brand new perspective to face life. God has made clear His will and purpose in our lives. But, most of time, we don’t necessarily know all that He has in mind for us. We search, question, and struggle through life to find the meaning and purpose of our lives. Sometimes, we do so because we don’t know. Sometimes, it’s because we don’t like what we know for sure to be His will because He has already made known to us in His Word.

But, through them all, God makes sure we learn our lessons through which He cleans and transforms our lives so as to bear the image of His Son, Jesus. Bible says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.” (Romans 8:28-29) This story once again humbled me and reminded me that I still have many lessons to learn in life.

Thank you, Lord, for always keeping our best interests in mind when leading us through this journey we call life.

Prayer Requests:
Those who face events and incidences in life that don’t seem to make sense.

Prayer:
Our gracious Father, thank You for Jesus and for Your loving call for us to follow our Lord Jesus. Please help us to focus on Jesus only as we follow so we will not be lost in life and can be the “Little Christ” we were called to be. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!